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Obaku catalogue 2009/2010
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watches 2009/2010
FORGET ABOUT TIME - LET THE MOMENT RULE
obaku harmony
Merging two things in an artful way means getting
rid of everything not really needed. Paring something
right down to the bare essentials of simplicity and
then giving it life, shape and texture.
Obaku Harmony is an exclusive collection of watches
with a focus on simple, serene design. This collection
is backed by a philosophy of blending the two differ-
ent traditions of simplicity found in the European and
Asian cultures.
simplicity is a lifestyle
An oasis of calm, balance and harmony in the midst
of a world in constant movement. Regardless of where
on the planet we may be we all need our own personal
paradise where we find pleasure in the small details.
A soft curve, the spray from a wave or the sound of
rustling leaves.
the philosophy of obaku harmony
The idea that there should be a sense of calm and bal-
ance in the items we use to adorn ourselves is what
gave birth to the Obaku Harmony collection.
In Asia, Zen philosophies have given rise to a natural
simplicity – in both thought and act. Obaku Harmony
takes its name from a branch of Zen philosophy and
has created a universe characterised by a sense of
calm – free from all superfluous details.
The Northern European countries have a long design
tradition featuring functionality and simplicity of
composition.
Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from both
these cultures, and has blended the simplicity found
in both.
4 I 5 o b a k u h a r m o n y
the unit yof simplicit y
6 I 7 o b a k u h a r m o n y
obakuemotions
infinity
Obaku Harmony watches feature a design that is both classic and timeless. Infinity watches reflect a relaxed, unpretentious style via simple – yet confident – details. These are watches for people who recognise the im-portance of time, and who want classic watches with a new twist.
blossom
Obaku Harmony design pays tribute to the delicate bal-ance between untamed nature and man-made perfec-tion. Blossom blends both of these, with a bold choice of colour and only partially tamed ruggedness. Togeth-er, these represent trendsetting design that exudes con-fidence. Blossom combines imagination, creativity and elegance in one simple design.
purity
Purity and simplicity are the core of Obaku Harmony design. Purity is the light, white part of the collection, and reflects discretion in the delicate femininity of its details, with their origin in nature. Experience a flower discreetly patterned in the leather strap, the reflection of mother-of-pearl in the watch face or the sparkle of the crystal.
night
Carefully considered design is one of the distinguish-ing features of Obaku Harmony. The design idiom in Night – from the dark part of the collection – radiates both simplicity and the mystique that only the night can bring. Night is for those who appreciate discretion, and who don’t need to demonstrate that time reflects power – it is a luxury we all deserve.
confidence
The best way to achieve results is via determination and effort. Obaku Harmony creates Confidence with a dynamic yet simple design to signal the idea of activ-ity via performance. These watches are for the active person who wants to show an assured, physical style.
“This is an ultra-slim watch, which ensures that it is light and comfortable to wear. The design puts em-phasis on simplicity, elegancy and functionality. With clearly indicated indexes and large centre-mounted hands, which are easy to tell apart, reading the time can be done by a quick glance at the dial. The watch comes in many variations; with a mesh band or a leather band, in a separate version for gents and ladies, and in a number of different colours including solid Titanium- and Stainless steel cases as well with
titanium black- and brown coatings”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n
8 I 9 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V123 Gentssize: Ø 28,5 / 38 mmtitan glass
V123 GBBRB V123 GCBMC V123 GCBRB V123 GCIRN
V123 GBBMB V123 GCIMC V123 GGIMG V123 GNIMN
V123 GTJMJ
V123 LGIRW
“This is an ultra-slim watch, which ensures that it is light and comfortable to wear. The design puts em-phasis on simplicity, elegancy and functionality. With clearly indicated indexes and large centre-mounted hands, which are easy to tell apart, reading the time can be done by a quick glance at the dial. The watch comes in many variations; with a mesh band or a leather band, in a separate version for gents and ladies, and in a number of different colours including solid Titanium- and Stainless steel cases as well with
titanium black- and brown coatings”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n
10 I 11 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V123 Ladiessize: Ø 28,5 / 38 mm
titan glass
V123 LCIMC V123 LGIMG
V123 LCIRB V123 LCIRN
V123 LNIMN V123 LCBMC
V123 LBBRB V123 LBBMB
V123 LGIRW V123 LLCRR
v124 GCIMC
“Using a classic case and pairing it with modern-istic details and material, this watch has a youthful and fresh appeal. With its heavy mesh band and the asymmetrical place of the sub-dial, which indicates the date, this watch stands out as fashionable and un-conventional in its design. The result of the multilev-eled main dial, sub-dial and index markers creates an impression of depth and dynamism as well as it
improves legibility”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n
12 I 13 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V124 Gentssize: Ø 41,5 mm
titan glass. ecological movement
v124 GBBMBv124 GCBMC
“With a round case sitting on top of a rectangular stainless steel base, this watch artistically blends two contrasting geometrical forms in manner that gives it a masculine, fresh and robust appearance. Adding to this appearance is the chronographical features and the broad leather strap which is integrated into the case. Even though the case sits on a base, this watch is still relative thin and light, which both ensures that it keeps it elegancy and is comfortable to wear”
D a n i s h d e s i g n b y C h r i s t i a n M i k k e l s e n
14 I 15 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V125 Gentssize: 35 mm
v125 GBBRBv125 GBIRBv125 GCIRB
v125 GCIRN
V126 GBIRB
“A chronograph watch with three sub-dials and a date indicator set into the main dial. The many details on the dial, and the technical features, give this watch a masculine expression. However, it is still kept in an elegant and stylish design, as evident from the thin contour lines on the dial, its architectural character, and its contrasting black and white colours. Match-ing the design of the case, the push-buttons, at 2 and
4 o’clock, make it easy to operate the chronograph”
D a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e
16 I 17 o b a k u h a r m o n y
v126 Gentssize: w 37 x 43,5 mm
titan glass
V126 GBBRB V126 GCIMC V126 GBBMB
V126 GCIRN V126 GCIRB
We wanted to merge the design idioms from two dif-
ferent cultures. To create a collection of beautiful, ex-
clusive watches based on the idea of simplicity, with
features from both the Asian and the Nordic design
traditions.
It might seem impossible to blend traditions that origi-
nate thousands of kilometres apart.
Geographical distance means less and less due to glo-
balisation. We now live in a world where similarities
and a sense of community continually occur between
people spread far and wide.
With this as our starting point, Obaku Harmony went
on working towards making our dream come true.
Our quest for a point where the Nordic and Asian
design idioms finally meet led us to a concept that
seemed to crop up over and over again. Simplicity.
For although these two traditions have been very dif-
ferent throughout history, simplicity is a fundamental
element in both of them.
In Asia, different life philosophies – such as Zen phi-
losophy – have moulded a set of basic values that pay
tribute to simplicity and the search for the essence in
life, and of truth and calm. A path of seeking inward for
something with deeper meaning.
Simplicity is also a feature of the Nordic tradition.
By contrast, this stems from practical necessity, not
a spiritual philosophy. The focus is on functionality
rather than shape, in order to get the most out of the
materials used.
This is how Obaku Harmony uncovered a set of basic
values and a path that blends both traditions.
Because merging two things in an artful way means
getting rid of everything not really needed.
Paring something right down to the bare essentials of
simplicity, and then giving it life, shape and texture.
Obaku is the name of a branch of Zen philosophy –
begun in China with numerous subsequent adherents
in Japan.
The basic belief in Obaku is the search for truth and
deeper meaning by delving into the human mind.
However, this blending of influences from both Asia
and the Nordic countries also reflects the Western in-
terest in the search for meaning in a hectic world, via
the ancient philosophies of Asia.
We live in an era in which the pace of life is intense,
and we are always expected to do our best. Time works
both for us and against us.
Once in a while, however, we need to seek repose
somewhere tranquil – where our senses are free of the
constant bombardment of information and impres-
sions.
Using both a unique design and a keen sense of detail,
Obaku Harmony reflects the aim of finding peace in a
straightforward artistic idiom that in no way intrudes,
carefully avoiding superfluous decoration and sensory
impressions that distract our attention from what is
really important.
Instead, we find pleasure in an attractive curve, a soli-
tary stone or in the sheer beauty of the material.
Obaku Harmony has inherited the best from two cul-
tures.
the origin
18 I 19 o b a k u h a r m o n y
of simplicity
V127 LGGRR
“This watch has a simple, clean and minimalistic design. By using the same width for both the strap and the case, the unbroken vertical lines give con- tinuity and harmony. The design idea is completed by repeating the vertical in the brushing of the case and dial. The overall feeling is elegant composure.”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e
20 I 21 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V127 Ladies size: w 21 x h 35,8 mmtitan glass
V127 LGIRB V127 LBIRWV127 LGIRW
V127 LBBMB V127 LNIMN V127 LCIMCV127 LGGMG
V127 LCIRB
v129 LNIMN
“Paring all superfluous details and focusing on the beauty of simplicity and purity, the design of this watch is a manifestation of the philosophy that lies behind the design-traditions at Obaku Harmony. With its little round case, its two legs that merge with the slender strap, in addition to its simple and pure design, this watch unmistakably appears as a feminine watch”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e
22 I 23 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V129 Ladiessize: Ø 26 mm
titan glass
v129 LGGMGv129 LGGRB v129 LGIRW
v129 LCIRB v129 LCIMC v129 LGGRR
V130 LGIRW
“With the long wing-formed legs emanating from its round case structure, this watch appears as a real item of jewellery. The elegant and feminine face of the watch is not only beautiful to the eye, but in fact also functional. The combination of the three-dimensional effects and the grooved index markers on the dial both gives this watch an exciting appearance as well as it
makes it easy to read the time.
D a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e
24 I 25 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V130 LGGRR V130 LGIRB V130 LCIRB V130 LBIRW
v130 Ladiessize: Ø 24 mm
titan glass
Lau Liengård Ruge (1976) Christian Mikkelsen (1960)
the obaku designers
good design is worth keeping
Lau Liengård Ruge is well versed in the art of immersing
himself in the design process, in considering an idea for
a long time, being willing to think on a grand scale and
focusing on finally achieving the perfect result. Working
with Christian Mikkelsen, Lau Ruge has now created the
Obaku Harmony collection of watches, motivated by
the desire to combine form and function in a sublime
design idiom.
”For me, the important thing is to produce a design that
stands the test of time. I’m no fan of quick-fire, flavour-
of-the month solutions. I want to really get to grips with
a design, and focus my energy on bringing it to frui-
tion,” he says, at the same time admitting that he is an
incorrigible perfectionist.
Lau Liengård Ruge trained as an industrial designer at
the Aarhus School of Architecture in Denmark, and has
been interested in the creative aspects of life ever since
childhood.
He has played music for many years, and has always
been engaged with designing and drawing. ”Both my
parents are creative people, and it’s only natural that
their interests in music and art rubbed off on me,” he
explains.
Lau Liengård Ruge is full of praise for the classic Dan-
ish designers, who are renowned for the simplicity
and functionality of their work. Nevertheless, he also
fully appreciates the fantastic inspiration to be found in
high-tech contemporary design idioms.
”Basically, it’s also a question of maintaining a sense
of pride in what I do, and remembering what the
product will ultimately be used for,” he points out.
”Being involved in creating the Obaku Harmony range
has been a process that’s been both exciting and inter-
esting. As a designer, I was given free rein to put my
personal fingerprint on the different types of watches
in this collection. I have been very aware of work-
ing with the effects created by the different materials,
according to the kind of treatment they are given or the
way they are juxtaposed,” he says.
“The objective with my designs is to create products
that people consider worth keeping.”
a watch tells a story
One of the driving forces behind the Obaku Harmony
collection of watches is Christian Mikkelsen. Known
as one of the best in this business, he trained as an
industrial designer and has subsequently worked with
designing watches for a wide range of different manu-
facturers. He currently lives in Hong Kong, where he
enjoys the full range of contrasts, the sense of dyna-
mism and the boundless energy that the metropolis
provides.
”Form and function both have a colossal influence
on the final result, and it’s impossible to separate the
two,” he says, adding ”watches are now one of the
products that is generally accepted as having consid-
erable value as a signal to the surrounding world. In
fact, designing a watch verges on creating a personal
machine for the user.”
Christian Mikkelsen’s work builds on inspiration from a
wide selection of different sources. He gets ideas from
observing the delicate details found in good craftsman-
ship as well as the broad swathes to be found in classic
designs. His extensive experience means that he’s in a
position to have faith in his own ideas.
”I really trust my own intuition about a product, and al-
ways keep the person for whom the watch is designed
in mind,” he says.
Christian Mikkelsen grew up in a small, historic town
in Denmark – a town in which craftsmanship was a way
of life for many of the inhabitants. His family tree fea-
tures many craftsmen, and in his younger days he was
familiar with boat builders, joiners and others who had
a tradition of taking pride in their work. This was where
he learned the basic tenets of true craftsmanship, and
he has always been fascinated by detail and a keen ad-
mirer of true quality.
And a watch also tells a story – ”Your watch says some-
thing about who you are as a person. It also depicts the
passing of time, and announces that you are engaged
in the process of living your life.”
26 I 27 o b a k u h a r m o n y
V131 GBISC
“A simple design; yet with many sophisticated details. Amongst other things, there are no legs on the case, as on traditional watches, which gives an impression of harmony in the design. The three-dimensional dial has clean, detailed graphics and the shape of the hands is well balanced with the rest of the design. The combi-nation of the significant but toned down dial and the hard and precise meeting between the bowl-shaped watch-case and the hard-edged strap is what makes
this watch stand out.”
d a n i s h d e s i g n b y L a u L i e n g å r d R u g e
28 I 29 o b a k u h a r m o n y
v131 Gentssize: Ø 41 mm
titan glass
V131 GBBSB V131 GCBSC V131 GCISC
obaku refugees
32 I 33 o b a k u h a r m o n y
OBAKU-REFUGEES Gents/Ladiessize: Ø 29/39 mmtitan glass. ecological movement
your time counts
Obaku has designed a special edition Refugees United watch. Obaku donates 20 US dollars to the Refugee United organisation for each sold item.
refugees united
Refugees United provides refugees with an anonymous forum to reconnect with missing family.
finding lost family
The mission of Refugees United is to help refugees in their search for lost loved ones. “Our aim is to provide a global, anonymous and dedicated refugee network, to end the torture of not knowing where relatives are in this world”.
Every day families are torn apart in their escape from war, persecution or natural disasters - they end up in different parts of the world, afraid, alienated and alone.
Refugee United is a non-profit organisation and search-ing and registering on refunite.org is free of charge. “With the Refugees United search engine we have cut away all the barricades between the seeker and the sought, to allow refugees direct access to each other through an immensely powerful and simple system. In this way there are no difficult forms to fill in, no lan-guage barriers and no technical obstacles”.
the obaku-refugee watch
- Eco-friendly quartz movement - with no lead or mercury content - Solid stainless steel case - Extremely durable Kevlar strap- Case diameters of 39 or 29 mm- Large version with date - 4mm thin caseedge - Crash resistant Titan glass
www.obaku-refugees.com
Time Unites!
34 I 35 o b a k u h a r m o n y
specificationshand polished stainless steel cases, buckles and bands
All cases, buckles and bands are made in the best solid
stainless steel material for watch manufacturing. The
fine 316L steel is made in Japan – and all cases are
finally, carefully hand polished by the best craftsmanship
standards.
titan glass
Selected models of the Obaku Harmony watch collection
are assembled with the newest invention in glass tech-
nology - Titan Glass. Probably the strongest glass ever
used for watches. Titan Glass is at least 10 times more
crack resistant than any other typical watch glass such as
mineral glass and sapphire crystal glass.
Titan Glass is registered and used exclusively in Obaku
Harmony watches.
mineral glass
Watches which are not marked with Titan Glass are as-
sembled with the highest quality of mineral glass with a
high degree of scratch resistance.
coatings
All watches in gold or black are coated with a titanium
coating which is the newest and most advanced tech-
nique for long lasting coatings. The gold coating is a
mixture of titanium and gold which are merged with
the stainless steel base material in a fusion process in a
vacuum chamber.
straps
All straps are made in genuine leather – and several
versions are assembled in multiple layers which are
giving the straps a rich structure and identity.
kevlar straps
Selected models are using the most durable materials
including Kevlar, which is a light fibre generally said to
be 5 times stronger than steel on an equal weight basis.
movements
All watches are assembled with original high quality
movements made in Japan with the highest precision.
ecological movements
Selected models are equipped with special environmental
friendly movements, which are using the new SPRON
Battery a new mercury/lead-free silver Oxide Battery. By
applying a high precision anode, using a surface process
technology and new material for the cathode, silver and
lead be removed totally from the battery. (The movement
can also use ordinary batteries as well).
water resistance
All watches are at least 3ATM water resistant.
Each watch is vacuum tested up to 3 ATM pressure. The
watches are not suitable for diving or swimming.
gift boxes
The gift box for the Obaku Harmony watches is a small
sculpture in itself. It supports the entire concept of the
Obaku philosophy of harmony and minimalistic design.
The box is designed by Lau Liengård Ruge.
the “photos” are not photos
The “photos” of all the watches in this catalogue were
made long before the actual watches were produced.
The “photos” are actually not photos, but computerized
visualizations which are the original drawings made
by the designers Lau Liengård Ruge and Christian
Mikkelsen. There might be small variations between the
computerized drawings and the actual watches.
www.obaku.com